The monkeypox virus has been found in the UK for the first time, Public Health England revealed on Saturday (September 8).
The disease, which is similar to smallpox, is usually found in central and western Africa.
A Nigerian resident contracted the infection before arriving in the UK, it’s believed.
But, what are the common warning signs of a monkeypox viral infection? It may be more difficult to spot than you think.
Monkeypox is a rare disease that could eventually lead to fluid-filled blisters all over the body.
But, during its early phases, it may be easily mistaken for flu or a cold.
Headaches, tiredness, and muscle aches are all warning signs of the deadly condition, revealed Now Patient’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Andrew Thornber.
As the infection develops, it could also lead to a fever or swollen lymph nodes.
“Monkeypox is quite a rare disease and it can be spread from person-to-person,” Thornber told Express.co.uk.
“But there is a very low risk of it being transmitted to the general population, so the public should not worry.
“Symptoms can initially start with the person feeling feverish, exhaustion, headaches, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes.
“Often a rash will develop, usually on the face and spread around the body. The rash changes in texture and usually ends in scabs.”
After the fever develops, patients enter the “skin eruption period” – where rashes appear all over the body.
In most cases, the rash develops into small, fluid-filled blisters – known as vesicles – or pustules.
The blisters or pustules may become crusty, and fall off the skin in about 10 days.
It may take up to three weeks for the crusts to completely disappear from the body, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Royal Free Hospital’s Clinical Director of Infection, Dr Michael Jacobs, said: “Monkeypox is, in most cases, a mild condition which will resolve on its own and have no long-term effects on a person’s health. Most people recover within several weeks.”
It doesn’t easily spread between people, and the risk of transmission to the public is low, he added.
The virus is most commonly spread to humans by infected animals. Monkeys, squirrels androdents have all been reported to the spread the virus.
Stay at home and isolate yourself from other people if you’re worried that you may be infected with monkeypox, said the WHO.